Dear editor:

Following is an open letter to the City of Cody Council and mayor and planning and zoning board:

Please DENY the LDS Church commercial site plan application based on the following:

* This property is Rural Residential NOT commercial

* ANY height/elevation variance above 30 feet (currently 101 feet) included in the architectural drawings in the site plan.

*- Excessive lighting — it is unacceptable in a residential neighborhood regardless of whether it’s illuminated 24/7 or from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

* Inadequate access street to the proposed temple site based on current research.

I do not believe Skyline Drive is a minor collector street if you use the Master Plan as a guide. And I do not support extending the Skyline Drive to West Yellowstone Avenue for many reasons, but two are destroying the quiet residential areas and alienating our thriving downtown of its lifeblood traffic.

The bullying that is being displayed by the out-of-state LDS is not how we do business in Wyoming. If for no other reason that should be a main reason to deny the application.

The city has the authority to say ‘NO’ and does not need a reason. The request is for a variance and the city can just say abide by the rules in place; not over 30-feet total structure including any appendages on the roof, no to external lighting, no to the excessive parking places. This is not about the practice of one’s faith, this is about marketing and putting up a very large “billboard” that advertises a minor segment of our community. It is not in keeping with our Western ways, nor is it neighborly.

As my city government, please abide by the wishes of the majority of your constituents and preserve our town.

 Robin Berry

Cody